Ancestry UK

St Andrew's Home for Girls, Southsea, Hampshire

The St Andrew's Home for Girls was founded in 1880 by Sister Emma, the Head Deaconess of the Winchester Diocese. The establishment was located at 103-105 Victoria Road North and was linked with the St Andrew's Deaconess Home — a training home for women wishing to pursue practical work in Anglican parishes. The Home for Girls could accommodate sixty girls up to the age of 12, who were had been 'rescued from immorality, or immoral surroundings'. An entrance fee required of £1 10s. for those admitted from the Diocese of Winchester, or £2 10s. in other cases.

Former St Andrew's Home for Girls, Victoria Road North, Southampton

By 1897, the home had a subsidiary branch at East Turret House, Spring Vale, near Ryde, IsleOfWight. By 1900, this was located at Harrage Park, Romsey.

In 1908, the running of the home was transferred to the Waifs and Strays Society. Two years later, the home relocated to new premises at 35 St Simon's Road, Southsea, and was officially opened on March 7th, 1911, by the Bishop of Southampton. The three-storey property was described as bright and airy, with cheerful-looking dormitories, a long dining-hall, laundry, kitchen, and a fine piece of ground for games. The home now provided accommodation for 25 girls removed from immoral circumstance.

St Andrew's Home for Girls, Southsea, c.1911. © Peter Higginbotham

St Andrew's Home for Girls, Southsea, c.1915. © Peter Higginbotham

Pictures of the home's residents show that they were actively involved with the local Girl Guides and Brownies.

St Andrew's Home for Girls, Southsea, c.1921. © Peter Higginbotham

St Andrew's Home for Girls, Southsea, date unknown. © Peter Higginbotham

In July, 1926, the home received a visit from Earl and Countess Jellicoe.

Earl and Countess Jellicoe St Andrew's Home for Girls, Southsea, c.1926. © Peter Higginbotham

The home closed in 1930 and the girls then resident were distributed amongst other Society homes.

Records

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Bibliography